SA leads Africa and the Middle East in ICCA 2023 business events rankings

Source: Sandton Convention Centre

In 2023, South Africa hosted 98 association meetings and conferences that met the criteria set by the International Congress and Conventions Association (ICCA). These meetings contributed significantly to the South African economy, with a total estimated economic impact of just over R2 billion.

ICCA uses strict criteria for its global rankings, including the requirement that only association conferences are recognised, excluding corporate or governmental meetings and conferences. These conferences must be attended by at least 50 international delegates, last at least two days, and rotate through at least three countries.

South African Tourism CEO, Nombulelo Guliwe, emphasised the significance of the ranking accolade in enhancing South Africa's global standing as a prime destination for meetings. This recognition also highlights the country's progress beyond its pre-Covid performance, showcasing its resilience and growth in the tourism sector.

Resilience of SA business events

“South Africa’s ICCA ranking performance illustrates the resilience of the South African business events industry, which was among the first to be impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and one of the last to reopen.

This performance showcases the efforts of the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB) and the greater South African industry during the lockdown period to rebuild a pipeline of secure conferences for the country. Numerous international and regional conferences were called off or rescheduled due to the pandemic.

Collaboration, bidding for international meetings

"Collaboration is vital for bidding on international meetings as it brings together the resources and expertise of various stakeholders, ensuring a comprehensive and competitive value proposition. It demonstrates strong local support and commitment, enhancing the attractiveness of the bid,” said Guliwe.

She mentioned that the SANCB collaborates with different provinces and other stakeholders to bid for hosting various meetings on behalf of the country.

“All business events hosted in our country are crucial because they not only contribute to our arrival numbers and our economy, but they also showcase our expertise in the various economic sectors. This is great news for foreign direct investment, export opportunities, and knowledge management and sharing," added Guliwe.

Business events significantly boost our country's economic development and growth by generating direct spending and creating jobs, fostering industry innovation and networking, and expanding market opportunities through international exposure.

They enhance tourism by attracting delegates from across the globe and improving infrastructure while also strengthening the country's global image and cultural exchange.

These business events offer professional development for South Africans attending these international conferences, including youth and women from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, fostering future business leaders. Overall, business events are crucial for stimulating economic activity, driving innovation, and promoting long-term economic sustainability.

Future bids and economic potential

"For the 2023 / 2024 Financial Year, the SANCB has sourced and submitted 95 bids for international business events to be hosted in South Africa between 2024 and 2032. The 95 bid submissions have a combined estimated economic value of just over R1.5bn and can potentially attract 60,040 international and regional delegates to South Africa between 2024 and 2032.

Thus far, South Africa has won 19 bids, with an estimated economic impact of R85m and a total of 3,055 delegates. The SANCB has committed R5.7m through its Bid Support Programme for these secured conferences, which will also contribute to the regional spread of business events and will be hosted in Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Cape Town, Sun City, Parys, Skukuza, and Potchefstroom," Guliwe said.

Some of the meetings secured for 2024 include the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics World Congress of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, the 32 General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Global Telecommunications Conference and the World One Health Congress.

The ICCA Statistics Report is published every year early in May. Results are tabulated through the reports of ICCA member countries who submit the number of international and regional meetings that they hosted during the preceding calendar year to ICCA.